Creation of natural forest: oxymoron or reality?

RECORDED

Room: Conference room 2

If a forest of indigenous trees is created from scratch by humans (as to opposed to enrichment planting in an existing forest), can it ever be or become a ‘natural forest’? How many years does it take to reach a state that can be described as restored rather than under restoration?

We give an example of a created African sub-mountainous forest of indigenous trees which has replaced an exotic plantation forest. We are in year 18 of a 30 year project. We are suggesting that provided the landscape includes high native plant diversity, control of exotic and invasive species and demonstration of restoration of trophic levels, a completely planted forest can be restored and in time will be indistinguishable from a natural indigenous forest.

Be part of the change. Connect with us

Funding Partners

Coordinating Partners

Connectivity Sponsor

Led by the Center of International Forestry Research (CIFOR) alongside founding partners UN Environment and the World Bank, with core funding provided by the German Government, the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) accelerates action towards the creation of more resilient, equitable, profitable, productive and healthy landscapes and the achievement of the UNFCCC Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030).